The effect of zumba exercise on menstrual pain relief

Posted on January 26, 2024 • 2 minutes • 421 words

Table of contents

The Study
Findings
Discussion
Limitations and Further Research
Conclusion
References

Menstrual pain, or dysmenorrhea, is a common issue affecting many women worldwide. While various treatments exist, ranging from medication to alternative therapies, an intriguing approach has emerged: Zumba exercise. A recent study conducted by Ahmed Samy et al. delved into this aspect, offering fascinating insights.

The Study

The study titled “The Effect of Zumba Exercise on Reducing Menstrual Pain in Young Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” aimed to evaluate the impact of Zumba on menstrual pain severity and duration. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial at Cairo University Gynecology Hospital and Bahgat Gym and Fitness Center, it involved 98 women diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea.

Participants were divided into two groups: the Zumba group, engaging in 60-minute sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks, and a control group with no specific intervention. The primary outcome measured was menstrual pain intensity, assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention. Secondary outcomes included differences in pain duration.

Findings

The study found significant differences in the Zumba group in terms of pain intensity reduction and shorter pain duration. Specifically, menstrual pain intensity significantly decreased in the Zumba group after 4 and 8 weeks compared to the control group, with mean differences of -2.94 and -3.79 respectively (P = .001). Additionally, the duration of pain was shorter in the Zumba group compared with the control group at 8 weeks (4.92 ± 1.90 vs 9.10 ± 2.92 hours; P = .001).

Discussion

These results are promising, suggesting that Zumba, a Latin-inspired dance exercise program, might be an effective complementary treatment for menstrual pain. The study hypothesizes that exercise facilitates the exit of prostaglandins from the uterus, leading to reduced pain. The social and psychological benefits of Zumba, along with its physical aspects, could also contribute to its effectiveness.

Limitations and Further Research

While the study offers promising results, it acknowledges certain limitations such as a specific age group (18-25 years), non-athlete participants, and the lack of long-term follow-up. Further research involving a more diverse demographic and long-term assessment is needed to generalize these findings.

Conclusion

The study by Ahmed Samy et al. provides valuable evidence supporting the use of Zumba as a potential complementary treatment for menstrual pain. This approach, combining fun, fitness, and social interaction, could be an accessible and enjoyable way for many women to manage menstrual discomfort.

References

Samy, A., et al. (2019). The Effect of Zumba Exercise on Reducing Menstrual Pain in Young Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial. [Journal Name and Volume].